A helping hand goes a long way.
A foundation dedicated to creating a chain of helping hands to change lives
The Sime Mlapisane Foundation was established for the main purpose of giving vulnerable people a helping hand to access opportunities that will advance their prospects of succeeding in life.
About the founder
ABOUT THE FOUNDER Simelweyinkosi Mlapisane (Sime) is the founder of the Mlapisane Foundation. She hopes to infuse the spirit of giving in those that are able to assist. Her own experience attests to what a life-changing difference assistance in a time of need can make.
Career
Career Sime is an attorney and is admitted to practice at the High Court of South Africa. She is currently the Director of Mlapisane Attorneys situated at the plush Pretoria suburb of Menlyn Maine, in South Africa. Mlapisane Attorneys has conducted extensive ProBono work via the Legal Practice’s Council’s help desk at the Pretoria High Court. ProBono work provides access to justice to members of the public who cannot afford legal services.
Humble beginnings
Simelweyinkosi Mlapisane (Sime) was born on 13 January 1973 to a single mother. She was the last born in a family of four children. She had very humble beginnings and did not have any clothes or blankets when she left the rural hospital that she was born in. Her mother had to light a fire to keep both of them warm. Tragically, Sime lost two siblings simultaneously in 2019.
Despite her circumstances, Sime gathered sufficient strength and assistance to study and attain a law degree from the University of South Africa at the age of 40. Currently, at 49 years, she has completed her Master’s degree at the University of the Witwatersrand and is working towards her PHD. Sime was able to propel herself forward to achieve her dream of becoming an accomplished lawyer, not only from her mother’s hard work but also from several benefactors who believed in her and gave her a once in a lifetime opportunity that changed her entire life for the better. None of these benefactors expected anything in return except for her to do the same for someone else. Her greatest mission is, therefore, to pay it forward and, through this foundation, honour all these people who changed her life
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
Our representatives
Thandi Ndlovu (right), a representative of the Sime Mlapisane Foundation donated books to a city library.
We Fund
School-going children with the payment of school fees, stationery uniforms, and food parcels.
We Sponser
Schools with academic support; specialist advice, trophies, and tents.
We Educate
School-going children with academic support, educational and reading books, and libraries with books.